1981 60hp Johnson Reverse Clatter.

[JSmith3]

Greetings from Oklahoma,
I am having problems with the reverse in my '81 60hp Johnson, J60ELC15465693. When I shift into reverse, a terrible clatter starts. The RPM's increase but there is no thrust. The first reaction is to quickly shift back to neutral before something starts to shatter apart. I have made adjustments to the shifter cable but it doesnt seem to help. Any suggestions as to where to start? I have a Johnson Service Manual for a 1976 60hp, but I'm not sure, with the difference in years, whether or not its going to help me. The engine starts and runs great. The forward gear shifts as it should. The boat skips across the water without any problems,,, launching it from the trailer isn't as pleasant. I don't know if this matters but the reverse doesn't act up while running in my driveway with the muffs on. Thank you in advance for your time and help.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1981 60hp Johnson Reverse Clatter.

NOTE... Your model number is J60ELCI (CI), not J60ELC1 (C1).

The reason for proper shifting on a flushette is that no back pressure exists on the propeller.

Many boaters think that shifting into gear slowly is taking it easy on the shifting componets when the complete opposite is true. Shifting slow allows the lobes on the shifter dog and gear(s) to hit each other many time before actually engaging... wears the corners off and allows the dog to jump out of the gear. Always shift as quickly as possible, SNAP the unit into gear.

Now, has the lower unit been off recently, installed a new water pump, whatever? If so, I'd suspect that the shift rod measurement length has been changed... and that measurement is critical. If this is the case, the lower unit will need to be dropped again and that measurement, in neutral, from the top surface of the lower unit to the center of the shift rod hole, be returned to factory specifications.

Unfortunately I do not have that measurement with me at the time but I'm sure another member will jump in here and advise you.

If on the other hand, this is not the case.... the lower unit will still need to be dropped in order to be dismantled and repaired.

 

[JSmith3]

Re: 1981 60hp Johnson Reverse Clatter.

Thanks for the info Joe,
I'm not certain of the past history, wish I did. Do you think the instructions from my '76 service manual will be adequate information for this type of repair or do I need another manual that is model and year specific? Thanks again

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1981 60hp Johnson Reverse Clatter.

No, you cannot use a 1976 manual for a 1981 engine.

 

[TRAILN]

Re: 1981 60hp Johnson Reverse Clatter.

Can you adjust the shift rod on these motors?
I've got the exact same problem happening with mine.

 

[JSmith3]

Re: 1981 60hp Johnson Reverse Clatter.

Quick update,
I adjusted the shift cable to its limit in one direction and headed out to the lake to try it out. It shifted into reverse as it should. My guess is that, as Joe asked, someone dropped the bottom and was careless when measureing the shift rod. Luckily (I hope) the cable adjustment allowed me to get it back where it needs to be. As soon as my "81 service manual arrives I plan on dropping the lower unit and adjusting the shift rod properly. Is this a difficult job? Any special tools required?

Safe boating to all.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1981 60hp Johnson Reverse Clatter.

Not difficult, no special tools needed. Good luck.